Capitol repairs to begin immediately

Capitol repairs to begin immediately

Phase 1 of project to focus on repairs to stones, windows

December 29th, 2013 in News

Electrical connections have been corroded by seepage at the Missouri Capitol and are high on the repair list. (File photo)

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Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon released $18 million Tuesday for repairs to the state Capitol building, and the selection of a consultant for the projects will begin immediately, according to the Office of Administration.

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"An estimated $15 million is for Phase I of stone repair on the south side of the building, an estimated $1 million will be used for window repairs and an estimated $2 million is to replace or repair the Centaur pavers at the north side of the building," said Ryan Burns, spokeswoman for the Office of Administration.

The Centaur pavers are the concrete stones on the edge of and around the Centaur fountain in the plaza near the Missouri River.

Burns said the stone repair on the south side of the building is the most critical to complete first. The repairs will include sealing and waterproofing the exterior of the building. She said there are additional sides of the building that also need repairs, as well as the dome, but they are not included in Phase I of the stone repair project.

"A significant amount of progress has already been made in the last several years on projects at the Capitol, including electrical and generator replacements in 2011, and the west stairs and plaza repair and cafeteria renovation in 2012," Burns said.

"The stone work is the major project that still needs to be completed. In addition, the Office of Administration is currently completing a major upgrade to the HVAC system, separate from the funding for capital improvements."

The HVAC system is the Capitol's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Burns said additional Capitol repairs may also be needed in the future.

Nixon released a total of $40.1 million Tuesday-the $18 million for Capitol repairs, $7 million for state facilities maintenance and repair, $5 million for projects at state parks and $10.1 million for several state programs.